TITLE: Curious Baby

In search of humpback whales while freediving off the island of Vavau, Tonga, our boat skipper found a mother with her calf that was approximately 1 week old.
We quietly approached, keeping to the surface, yet making our presence aware to the mother. After inspecting us, she allowed us to approach a little closer.
As with most babies, this creature was curious. I could not help but wave and smile at the newborn whale almost three times my length. Its curiosity got the better of it, and emerging from under it's mother's fin it swam towards me, playfully rolling and circling me. It took tremendous effort not to reach my hand and establish physical contact as the curious baby approached within 30 centimeters of my face and camera. It was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had, to interact with such a playful beautiful animal that has just entered the world.

AUTHOR: Karim Iliya (United States)

Karim Iliya is a professional aerial cinematographer and underwater photographer / film maker based on the island of Maui, Hawaii. Pursuing a variety of types of photography, Karim lives a nomadic lifestyle and travels the globe with a focus on photographing / filming wildlife and marine environments using freediving and quadcopter drones. Karim’s passion is in documenting whales, elephants, big cats, polar bears and other threatened animals in an effort to create appreciation in order to help protect our delicate ecosystems on Earth.